If you believe that tequila is just an accompaniment to your beloved margarita, Ana Martinez will alter your perception. At Hilton Los Cabos, the resident tequila expert conducts agave spirits tastings in the resort’s Sotol Bar and La Biblioteca, where a high-top bar table is surrounded by a museum-style exhibit of premium tequilas and mezcals. Martinez’s exuberance and passion are contagious; she has a deep love for agave spirits, and by the end of her hour-long class, you will too.
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Martinez has delved into the world of Mexican tequilas, mezcals, and agaves much like a sommelier studies winemaking. As a leading authority, she takes pleasure in educating guests of Hilton Los Cabos, imparting her firsthand knowledge of flavor profiles, master distillers in the region, and providing ample tastings and small bites while discussing the history of different Mexican regions that cultivate agave plants and distill spirits.
Not only does Martinez demystify the process and origins of tequilas and mezcals (tequila must be from the tequila region in Jalisco, Mexico and made from Weber Blue agave; mezcal can be produced anywhere in Mexico with over 30 agave varieties), she also shares tips on selecting favorites for home consumption. Fun fact: despite the nearly 2000 registered tequila brands, there are only 200 distilleries. Thus, if you enjoy one brand from a particular distillery, chances are high you’d appreciate another from the same producer, similar to finding a winemaker whose varietals resonate with your taste buds.
Martinez also delves into the origins of the infamous tequila/mezcal worm. She explains the rationale behind the unique shape of the sampling glasses, one of which is of her own design. Interpreting tequila labels and sharing her own preferences and reasons is a task she undertakes unreservedly. (Martinez favors the ultra-premium brand Loco for its artisanal quality and pure agave flavor devoid of oak or other additives common in many other brands.)
Aside from her role as the resident tequila expert, Martinez also serves as the resort’s assistant director of food & beverage; hence she can craft a signature agave cocktail for special occasions like a romantic beachfront dinner overlooking the Sea of Cortez. She’s available for consultancy on setting up a curated bar for large group gatherings in any of the resort’s diverse restaurant venues, all boasting sweeping ocean views. Furthermore, she’s delighted to guide guests through Sotol’s “Agave Bible” that showcases tasting notes for nearly 200 agave spirits.
“I relish the chance to curate experiences and impart my knowledge of agave spirits to guests and team members,” expressed Martinez. “I take pleasure in teaching the cultural and traditional aspects of small communities, elucidating that there’s more to agave spirits than the prominent brands dominating the market. The most fulfilling part of conducting tastings for me is the opportunity to convey how the generations and traditional tastes of a community are reflected in the final product of agave spirits.”
Agave Spirits Tastings at Hilton Los Cabos are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Private tastings can be arranged upon request. Advanced reservations are mandatory.
